Ryan Gabel, 25, of North Platte, was sentenced Monday to 1½ -3 years in the state penitentiary for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, hit and run, and resisting an officer.

Gabel was also sentenced to an additional 60 days in the county jail for driving under the influence.

Lincoln County District Judge Richard Birch handed down the sentences.

According to Police Information Officer Rodney Brown, Gabel was arrested Jan. 13 after a car chase that started when a North Platte Police Officer tried to stop him on Ash St. for a traffic violation. Gabel took off in his 1996 Honda Accord. When speeds reached 60 miles per hour the officer backed off to reduce danger to the public.

Gabel lost control of his car near A and Ash, hit a parked car and slid across the street, the he fled on foot. Police questioned a non-compliant passenger and later found Gabel at his house near Washington Elementary School, along with contraband drugs in the car.

Gabel is considered a chronic offender. His defense attorney P. Stephen Potter asked the court to consider probation to allow Gabel to address severe mental health issues he has been diagnosed with. “His father keeps bailing him out and Ryan has not had the chance to address his mental health issues,” Potter said.

But District Judge Richard Birch said the pre-sentence investigation did not recommend probation.

“Your last three sentences were for 180 days, 360 days and another 360 days,” Birch said. “I know it is no surprise to you that you are facing stiffer penalties each time you are convicted. You have not shown you are responding.”

Gabels’ record is extensive with 20 arrests since September 2006, when Gabel was still a minor. The records show a variety of charges including minor in possession, driving under the influence, driving under suspension, thefts, assaults, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of stolen property and a stolen weapon, burglary, strangulation and escape. He has also violated probation three times, according to sheriff’s records.